Brimbank’s Bin Feedback Program aims to improve our recycling – one bin at a time. It starts in late June, 2023.
Bin contamination significantly impacts Brimbank’s recycling efforts. It occurs when the wrong things are placed in a recycling or food organics and garden organics (FOGO) kerbside bin.
To help reduce bin contamination, Council will inspect 1000 recycling and FOGO bins each month. Residents will receive direct feedback via a bin tag and postcard.
Council will record any contamination trends, and use this information to better target educational campaigns to improve Brimbank’s recycling.
Residents will know if their bin has been inspected because the bins will have a tag attached to the bin handle – like one of these tags.
We’ve got answers to some of your questions here
What is bin contamination?
Bin contamination occurs when incorrect items are placed into a kerbside recycling or FOGO bin. The most common contaminants include soft plastics, textiles and recycling placed in plastic bags.
Why do we need a Bin Feedback Program?
When the wrong things are placed in a recycling or FOGO bin, they have to be removed by hand or sorting machinery. This increases the disposal and processing costs, and also impacts the amount of material we can recycle or compost.
Brimbank’s Bin Feedback Program aims to improve the municipality’s recycling by inspecting a small selection of bins each month. Council will provide feedback to residents via bin tags and postcards to help build awareness and reduce contamination.
Why does my bin have a tag attached to it?
Staff have checked your bin prior to collection. This tag provides you with feedback. A “Well Done!” tag is attached when the correct items are found in your recycling or FOGO bin.
An “Oh No!” tag is attached when incorrect items are found in your recycling or FOGO bin. Staff tick or write the name of the contaminating items on the tag. A postcard is placed in the letterbox explaining what items are accepted in your recycling and FOGO bin.
What about my privacy?
Bin inspection staff never take any items from your bins and will not look at residents’ personal information. Staff will only take a few seconds to check the contents of your bin and provide residents with feedback via a tag (placed on bin handle).
Want to learn more about this program or recycling?
For more information about the Bin Feedback Program email environment@brimbank.vic.gov.au, or visit the Brimbank Council website brimbank.vic.gov.au for more information about recycling and FOGO.
Here’s a shortcut to some great resources on Council’s website:
Food Organics and Garden Organics
